The new NA taxes are several times higher than those paid until last year. But for now, residents can pay their taxes according to the old rates, until the state government decides on the issue.
The Mumbai suburban collector has granted some relief, albeit temporary, to housing societies in Bandra and Santa Cruz (West) in the payment of non-agricultural (NA) taxes.
The new NA taxes are several times higher than those paid until last year. But for now, residents can pay their taxes according to the old rates, until the state government decides on the issue.
Representatives of more than 80 housing societies led by Bandra MLA Baba Siddiqui and local corporators Asif Zakaria and Kavita Rodricks met suburban collector Vishwas Patil on Tuesday.
Some societies and educational institutes like the Apostolic Carmel High School in Bandra (West) also complained of the use of coercive methods by the collector’s office. They said they had received a 24-hour ultimatum and threats to cut off water supply or arrest office-bearers.
“We were extremely upset when senior citizens came to us complaining of the use of such methods,” said Shyama Kulkarni, a member of Agni. “A copy of the notices was marked to Khar police station.”
Kulkarni said residents were not against the levy as such. “But it should be rationalised,” she said.
Bashir Colombowalla, representing Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, said the tax liability of Rs19,764 for the yesteryear film stars’ 4,589 sq ft bungalow at 34B Pali Hill had shot up to Rs1.25 lakh.
Sister Pearl Anna, principal of the Apostolic Carmel High School, said the institution’s tax liability had soared to Rs4.75 lakh from Rs2,500. “How can we run an educational institution with such exorbitant taxes?” she said.
Siddiqui called the revised NA tax, applicable with retrospective effect, “unjust”.
Patil said, “The residents will make a representation in eight days and their grievances will be submitted to the government. No coercive action will be taken by my staff and residents can pay their taxes as per the old rates.”
The NA taxes are paid to the revenue department. Last year, the tax collected from Bandra, Kurla, and Andheri amounted to Rs30.45 crore.
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